View entire study abroad journey

IDP Student Alumni: Rakibul, Bangladesh

Topics covered

1. Why did you choose to study in Australia?

I hail from Bangladesh, where I pursued my undergraduate and master's degrees, and I am currently on study leave from a senior lecturer position at BRAC University. I chose to pursue my PhD in Australia, specifically at Curtin University, because of the opportunity to learn and conduct research under the esteemed guidance of my PhD supervisor, Professor Tom Gedeon. Another compelling factor in my decision to study in Australia is the country's favourable climate and healthy work-life balance.

2. How was IDP able to help you?

Well, it came to my attention that IDP has extensive experience and expertise in assisting international students throughout the application process. In my personal experience, IDP offered invaluable guidance at no cost during my PhD application and visa procedures. Importantly, IDP's guidance was instrumental in submitting our visa application, both for myself and my dependent, as well as in ensuring smooth and efficient pre-departure preparations.

3. Are there any (major) challenges you faced?

Preparing documents for our visa application was a major challenge. I overcame these hurdles by actively engaging with IDP Counsellor Ms Amena Sultana, who is based at IDP Education in Gulshan, Bangladesh. Ms Amena was proactive in answering all my questions. Getting support was easier than I thought. I didn’t even need to visit any IDP centre – I always got the answers to my questions through WhatsApp, Zoom, or a phone call from IDP. I am immensely grateful for the invaluable support IDP provided throughout my study-abroad journey.

4. How did you approach your job search (part-time/full-time)?

Initially, I prioritised academic commitments while exploring casual opportunities aligned with my research interests and expertise. Leveraging university resources and networking enabled me to secure undergraduate- and postgraduate-level tutoring positions. Networking was indeed a key factor. It not only helped me secure research assistant positions in cognate research areas but also led me to discover paid research internships through my professional connections on LinkedIn, which I successfully pursued and secured.

5. What are your goals for your career in Australia?

My career goal in Australia is to become a leading researcher in my chosen field: data science and artificial intelligence. I aim to advance deep learning technologies for human benefit and foster collaboration between academic and industrial sectors to translate research findings into real-world applications.

6. Is there any advice for international students?

For fellow international students, I recommend embracing diversity and actively engaging with the academic and cultural experiences Australia offers. Seek mentorship, participate in extracurricular activities, and leverage available support services to navigate challenges. Additionally, remain proactive in building professional networks and exploring opportunities aligned with your academic and career goals while cherishing the enriching journey of personal growth and learning.